The largest re-enactment of one of the most important battles in English history has taken place on the original site.

Some 3,200 performers converged at Battle to mark the 940th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

On October 14, 1066, William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II's Anglo-Saxon army and claimed the throne. The Norman invasion was the last time England was conquered by a foreign power.

Enthusiasts from across Britain and Ireland, Europe, America and Australia, spent the weekend living in 11th-Century-style encampments at the site.

Throughout the morning they entertained crowds with period music, falconry and archery displays.

Then, once the Normans had gathered at the bottom of the hill and the Anglo-Saxons at the top, battle commenced.

The infantrymen, cavalrymen and archers fought for two hours using real axes, swords and bows and arrows. Some had even learnt Norman French and Anglo-Saxon war cries to taunt the opposition.

Throughout the re-enactment commentators read to the 10,000-strong crowd from contemporary texts which have been translated into modern English.

Then, as predicted, Harold got an arrow in his eye and "died" and the Normans claimed victory.

An English Heritage spokesman said: "It was absolutely outstanding. This was the biggest re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings ever.

"If you're a tennis player you want to play at Wimbledon, if you are a re-enactor you want to go to Hastings."